re: Amazon Echo vs Google Home - Which is best?

quote:

---

For this stuff to matter it needs to be a much better out of the box experience for the average person. My wife doesn't want to install an app, she just wants to say "Alexa Play Scandal" and have it automagically know you're talking to the FireTV and have it play the next episode from whatever source she was watching it on last, whether that's the PSVue, DVR/On Demand, NetFlix or Plex.

---

While that sounds nice, it's much too magical for my taste, and probably too magical for most people if you think about it.

If you don't want to install an app/skill, then if your Echo/whatever is to know what you have been watching, then all of your devices and services would have to divulge this information to anyone/thing that asks for it. This has scary privacy implications.

Further, all of your devices and services would have to allow anyone/thing to control them without your permission. This is also scary.

Hopefully that is enough to convince you that having to install an app/skill and grant explicit permission to use your devices, services, and information is not so terrible.

Sure, the process of getting everything set up can definitely be improved, but it's never going to be as simple as buying an Echo, plugging it in, then telling it to play Scandal, and it already knows where you left off, what service you were watching it on, and already able to take control over the devices in your house. That's just not a world we want to live in.

Good thread idea.

I finally want to get into this game, but yeah, there doesn't seem to be a clear leader.

I think Amazon is more useful overall, and I find them less scary than Google in general.



I'd like a really great third option that works with both somehow, but I doubt that happens. I'm interested to see what Microsoft does with Cortana though. I think I want the Show, but I'll give it a few months.

quote:

---

The Fire TV already has a row of its interface dedicated to NetFlix recommendations. It's stuff you've been watching on NetFlix.

---

Yeah, installing and signing in to an app on a given device gives it permission to watch what you do, assuming the app allows it.

quote:

---

Your remote control doesn't require personal authorization to turn on your TV.

---

My remote control doesn't work in the background, and it can't control anything other than my TV (or other devices that I explicitly tell it to in the case of a universal remote). Allowing another person physical access is authorization enough.

quote:

---

Maybe out of the box is the wrong phrase. Perhaps during a setup wizard or when you install an app you give permission not only to let your FireTV access the app, but you can also authorize your echoes.

---

So you agree now that installation and setup of app/device integrations is necessary? This is the crux of my earlier reply.

quote:

---

I'm just talking about giving the combination of FireTV and Echo devices access to knowing what you watch on NetFlix/Hulu/Plex/etc.

---

And that would be great. It just can't be automagic. App installation and setup required.

quote:

---

Having an Android phone and using the Google ecosystem gives Google way more access to much more personal information than we're talking about with controlling media playback.

---

I'm not necessarily worried about who has what personal or non-personal data. I am just saying I would have some questions if a device could worm its way into my other devices and app data without my knowledge and permission.

quote:

---

I really think you're underestimating Joe Six Pack's willingness to trade control for convenience.

---

Oh, I know the average person would think it's awesome. That's why I think it's important that those of us who have an idea how things work need to stay on top of it.

quote:

---

This new world where your shows come from so many different services that often have their own unique interface can be cumbersome to navigate.

---

I know it can be tough, in my house we use Plex, Netflix, Prime, Youtube, Sling, and Tablo. Even though my 4 year old can find exactly what he wants by navigating all but Sling and Tablo, it would definitely be easier to find what you want with a universal interface. I think it will happen eventually, but it just won't (or shouldn't) be automagic.